Story perspectives

Russell Fry Endorses Darline Graham in 2026 Runoff

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) for the August 25, 2026 South Carolina Republican Senate runoff.
Fry finished third in Tuesday’s special primary with 65,730 votes (19.6% statewide) and won eight counties in the 7th District.
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to campaign in South Carolina for Graham.
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, endorsed Graham and said he voted for her on Tuesday.

History

Historical Context

After Strom Thurmond’s 2002 retirement opened South Carolina’s first non-incumbent Republican Senate seat, Lindsey Graham won the race and helped cement the state’s GOP dominance. Decades later, Trump’s March 2025 endorsement of Graham’s sister Darline—appointed by Governor Henry McMaster—mirrors past presidential backing that propelled Graham’s 56.8% primary victory in June 2026, underscoring the lasting power of high-profile endorsements in the state.

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Story summary

Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) endorsed Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) for the August 25, 2026 South Carolina Republican Senate runoff.
Fry finished third in Tuesday’s special primary with 65,730 votes (19.6% statewide) and won eight counties in the 7th District.
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to campaign in South Carolina for Graham.
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, endorsed Graham and said he voted for her on Tuesday.

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